LSU and San Diego State Clash in NCAA Women’s Tournament Showdown

BATON ROUGE, La. — The third-seeded LSU Tigers (28-5) will take on the 14th-seeded San Diego State Aztecs (25-9) in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET. Both teams aim for victory after distinctive seasons, with LSU riding a successful record in the SEC and San Diego State finishing strong to secure its spot in the tournament.

LSU, the reigning national champion, enters the game fresh off a 2024 season marked by resilience and determination. Head Coach Kim Mulkey expressed confidence in her team’s ability to navigate early challenges: “We’ve faced adversity throughout the season, but our competitive spirit will shine in the Big Dance,” she said. The Tigers clinched a 3 seed due to their 17-1 home record this season.

On the other side, San Diego State boasts an impressive finish to its season, concluding with eight consecutive wins, including a Mountain West championship title. Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson noted the importance of momentum: “We’ve built incredible chemistry as a team, and we believe in our abilities to compete against higher seeds,” she remarked ahead of the matchup.

San Diego State proved its prowess with a strong performance in the final stretch of the season, but the team faces a formidable opponent in LSU, which has been a consistent force in the tournament. The Aztecs finished the regular season ranked 104th, underscoring the challenge ahead.

The stakes are high, as both teams look to advance to the second round of the tournament. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN, providing fans an opportunity to witness the excitement of March Madness.

As fans gear up for the game, analysts have weighed in, predicting a challenging contest. “LSU has a wealth of experience and depth, but San Diego State’s recent performance shows they cannot be underestimated,” said ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton.

With national tournament lore unfolding, anticipation builds around the potential for upsets in the opening rounds. Coaches and players alike are ready to leave their mark in this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the anticipation surrounding the LSU vs. San Diego State matchup remains palpable.